Pope Leo pledges gradual return after lung surgery in Vatican City

Pope Leo said he would gradually resume his usual activities during his first public appearance since undergoing surgery for lung cancer, greeting crowds in St Peter’s Square. CNA reported that the pope spoke on Sunday, October 18, and described his return to duties as a gradual process.

Headlines from the Journal Gazette, WUWF, Interlochen Public Radio, KTEP, KUNC, Houston Public Media, WUFT and the Washington Examiner likewise describe him as saying he would gradually resume duties after cancer surgery. CNA reported that the operation took place five days before the appearance and removed the lower lobe of the pope’s right lung.

The article says Pope Leo had been discharged from Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Saturday, the day before he addressed the crowd. It describes the square gathering as his first public event after the procedure. The pope’s surgeon said his clinical condition was “absolutely satisfactory” and estimated that he would need another ten days to recover fully.

That estimate provides a measure of the recovery still ahead as Pope Leo begins returning to his usual schedule; his statement in the square was that the return would happen gradually. CNA described the surgery as being for lung cancer and the removed growth as a cancerous tumour.

The account also noted that the illness had prompted speculation about its possible effect on the pope’s 17-month papacy, without reporting a specific change to his role or schedule beyond his stated gradual return. The article records reactions from people at the appearance.

Norma Grasso, 76, from Argentina, said, “We are waiting for him.” Another woman quoted in CNA said, “We know that he is ok and we're pleased.” These comments convey the attendees’ reactions; the article does not identify the second woman by name.

The immediate next step described by the pope is a gradual resumption of his activities, while his surgeon’s estimate places full recovery further ahead. The account does not specify which duties he will take up first or give a schedule for his return.